Syracuse University plans 3.6 percent tuition increase next year

Syracuse University trustees are scheduled to vote Saturday on a plan to raise tuition by 3.6 percent next year.

Full-time, undergraduate tuition would rise to $37,610 for the 2012-2013 school year. SU estimates the total cost of attending, including room and board, transportation, books and other expenses, will be $55,600.

The planned 3.6-percent increase is SU’s lowest in 46 years. It still exceeds the inflation rate, which is rising at an annual rate of 2.7 percent so far this year, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

SU officials say the rate of increase will drop to about 3 percent by the 2015-2016 school year.

About 38.5 percent of the total tuition collected is distributed as financial aid. That lowers the typical tuition bill by about $14,500.

SU’s 70-member board of trustees meet twice a year, including commencement weekend in May to set the budget and tuition.